I Know You Know Who I Am

by TheSecretAdmirer

2nd of Eden Trilogy/Sequel to Enemy of My Enemy. 5 years later, Leolin returns to find everything has changed and Draco is engaged to another woman. She struggles to win back his love & trust while facing the demons of her past. As darkness begins to fall, she realises she might have to choose between the man she loves and rescuing the world from a familiar evil...COMPLETE! RE-READ

19. Chapter 18: Slaver's Chains

4500 NEW WORDS ADDED. PLEASE REVIEW.

Chapter 18: Slaver's Chains

"So," Severina said as Leolin joined her in the courtyard. They'd taken a holiday to Spain, and they were in the Borgia ancestral palace in Valencia, relaxing together as a private little family.

The palacio was a place of extraordinary beauty and tranquility, and no place was more so than the interior courtyard. There was an orange tree growing in the centre and a distinctly mozarabic feel, and the cool blue ceramic tiles were soothing.

Severina was lounging in a chair drinking agua de Valencia, watching Isadora todder around on chubby legs, babbling incoherently to herself. She'd grown up fast, and it seemed so odd that she was already one and a half. Leolin smiled at her as Isa made her way over on unsteady legs and extended her arms upwards to Leolin.

"Hello, mija," Leolin said, smoothing Isa's black hair. She was already beautiful, though Severina was right, she did look more like Xavy, who was swarthier then Severina. Luckily for Isa, Xavy was equally as handsome, and their combined genes would make her an unparalleled beauty in her time.

Leolin sat down next to Sev, producing a toy from nowhere and handing it to Isa to preoccupy her.

"So," Severina repeated pointedly.

Leolin frowned in confusion.

"So," Leolin repeated slowly, frowning a little.

"So," Severina said, changing her intonation.

"So?" Leolin demanded at last. "What the fuck are we doing?"

Severina smiled.

"I am so confused," Leolin admitted, and Severina gave her a penetrating look.

"It has been six months, tesora," she said, "What are you going to do?"

"Do about what?" Leolin said, kissing the duck fuzz on the top of Isa's head.

"About Draco," Severina said firmly. "I think I've given you long enough."

"I don't know what to do," Leolin admitted. "I'm unsure what I can do at this point. Besides, I've grown very happy here."

"I know," Severina said. "And we are happy to have you. You will always be family, tesora. But your real family surely needs you too. Much as Xavy and I would like to keep you forever, you aren't really ours to keep. You're on loan, and it's time to go back to where you belong."

"It's not that simple," Leolin said, heaving a sigh.

"What do you mean?" Severina asked.

"I saw him," Leolin said. "When I was first in Firenze. I spoke to him, and he had no idea who I was. That's the curse I'm up against."

"That sounds difficult," Severina conceded. "But the curse isn't insurmountable, especially for someone as formidable as you."

"I don't know," Leolin said. "I don't think I'm ready."

"Ready? Leolin, do you still love Draco?"

"Is this a trick question?" Leolin asked.

"It's a legitimate one. Do you still love him?"

"Of course!"

"Do you think you could be happy with anyone else?"

"I suppose," Leolin said. "With enough time."

"Do you wantto be with someone else?"

"Not really?"

"Then what are you doing? Mira, it's been two years already. Every day you aren't in England, Draco moves farther away from you. Every day he loves you a little less and hates you a little more. This is time-sensitive, tesora. You either move now or give up the hunt."

"I don't want to give up," Leolin admitted.

"Esattamente," Severina said, touching Leolin's arm. "But you can't expect him to stay single forever. And you certainly can't expect to burst in the day of his wedding and change his mind. What you want takes time, and that time begins now."

"I wouldn't know where to start," Leolin said.

"Start at the beginning," Severina said. "Do as much research as you can. I will handle La genie for a while. You focus on this."

"What if I'm too late?" Leolin asked softly.

"Then at least you will go down knowing you tried," Severina said. "Besides, this isn't the Middle Ages. There is such a thing as divorce."

Leolin shrugged.

"That's a fair point."

"As soon as we've back in Firenze," Severina said, "We'll start. Xavy and I will help with whatever we can. And the girls will be here for when you want to tear your hair out."

Leolin laughed, kissing Isa's head again. She was still engrossed in the toy Leolin had brought.

Just then Xavier appeared, Angelina on his hip. Angelina looked just like Sev, and she was a delight.

"Mama," she said at once, itching to be put down so she could crawl into Severina's lap.

"Thanks," Xavy said as she ran off. "I love you too, capretta."

"Hello, cariña," Severina cooed. "Come stai?"

"Bene," Angelina said, burying into her mother's chest.

If Leolin hadn't known, she would have sworn Severina was neither old enough nor wide enough to have borne two children

"Avete giocato con papa?" Severina asked, smoothing Angelina's angelic curls from her face and kissing her temple. "¿Puedes decir a papa que le amas?

"Papa," Angelina said, unphased by the language flip. "Te amo."

"A mi tambien," Xavy replied. "Te queiro, carina."

"¿Y en Francés?

"Papa, je t'aime."

"¿ Y te puedes decirla en Inglés para Mamá?

"Papa," Angelina said. "I love you."

"Show off," Leolin said, feeling an odd clench in her stomach even as she smiled.

She realised as she held Isa that she was beginning to long for a baby of her own. Her twenty-fourth birthday was this September. If Lucius had not interfered, she and Draco would be getting ready to throw out her remaining potions and begin to earnestly try.

"Twenty galleons for your thoughts," Xavy said, smiling.

"That's awfully steep," Leolin laughed.

Xavier shrugged.

"What's twenty galleons to a multimillionaire?"

"Nothing, I suppose," she said.

"Well?" he said, extending a twenty note and making her laugh.

She took the bill before allowing Xavy to sweep a dozing Isa from her arms.

"I want what you have," Leolin admitted. "I want babies like you that I can raise to be pretentiously multilingual. I wanted to sit in my ancestral home and enjoy my little family."

Xavy gave a crooked smile.

"And you will," he said, taking her hand. "We're on your side, tesora; we won't let you fail."

She nodded.

"You will always belong here," Severina assured her. "You will always be the second mother to my girls, and you will always be Xavy's and my's darling. But I think you're ready now. We have to be good parents and let you be free."

Leolin nodded.

"And maybe I will be."

"Non," Xavier said. "We're here at your back. Trust me, with Borgias on your side, you're never slated to fail."

Leolin nodded, smiling.

"I love you," she said.

He laughed.

"Sí, te quiero."

She smiled.

"Ti amo. Je t'aime. Te amo."

"Now who's the showoff?" Severina laughed, still stroking Angelina's hair.

"I'm twenty-three," Leolin said, non-plussed. "I should hope I could manage that."

"Don't mind her," Xavier smiled, kissing her head. "I'm very proud."

Leolin nodded, suddenly lost in her thoughts again. Severina followed her process and smiled.

"Always at your back, Leolin. Never forget that."

---

Draco lay on his back as Leolin feasted on his neck. He raised his chin and gave a swift exhale as her tongue found a particularly sensitive spot. She sat astride him in little more than knickers, her hips swirling against his as she nipped at his ear. Her fingers were gently tangled in the chain of the falcon medallion at his neck, and her palm was cool against his bare chest.

"Cal," he whispered huskily, giving a half-laugh, half-groan as she continued her assault. "You have zero idea how much I've missed you."

"I've only been in France for six months," she laughed, playfully touching her tongue to his lips.

"It feels like 60 million years," he groaned as she gyrated against him more meaningfully.

"You're only saying that because I am about to shag your brains out," she said, rubbing her nose to his.

"That's only part of it," he defended, hands on her hips so her could fee his hardening cock. "I can't wait to hear about the Louvre. Your mum told me it was going really well."

"I think they may offer me something permanent," she admitted almost bashfully, tucking a hair behind her ear and stopping for a moment to look at him earnestly. "But I don't have to take it."

"Don't be daft," he accused, pushing forward to kiss her neck. "If they offer it, you have to take it."

"What about us?" she said even as he slipped his tongue into her mouth.

"What do you mean?" he breathed, pulling down the straps of her bra and kissing the tops of her heaving breasts.

"I don't want to do this long distance bollocks anymore. I miss you too much."

His tongue touched her hardened rosy bud through the sheer fabric.

"I miss this too much," she whispered.

"So I move to Paris with you," Draco said. "I love Paris; that's no hardship."

"What about your job?"

He smiled even as he introduced his teeth. She gasped and gripped his hair.

"I can run my evil corporation from anywhere," he said.

"Really?" she asked, clearly excited.

"It's settled," Draco breathed reaching around to remove the bra altogether. "After the wedding we'll move to Paris."

"I love you," she moaned as his tongue laved her nipple again.

"Then why don't you show me how much?" he whispered, tipping her back so she was lying with her feet towards the pillows.

He yanked down her knickers at once and pushed her thighs apart with a strong hand.

"You don't have to—" she began, but her words promptly died.

She threw her head back and arched her back.

"Are you doing the ABC's with your tongue?" she choked, and he laughed. "No," she said bossily, "Don't you dare fucking stop."

He pulled back only to insert two fingers.

"Wouldn't dream of it," he said, starting to pump.

"Oh Merlin," she whined, biting her lip.

"You are so fucking close, "Draco said. "I can feel it."

"How can you tell?" she choked out.

"I've been making love to this beautiful cunt for three years now," he smirked arrogantly. "I know you."

He bent his head again, tongue, teeth, and fingers moving in tandemly. She clenched involuntarily and screamed as an explosive orgasm gripped her.

"You taste amazing," he breathed, kissing her heatedly.

"Your turn," she insisted, pushing him the opposite direction onto his back.

"No," he said impatiently. "Just fuck me."

"No," she said in the same tone, pulling down his briefs to find him full for her. "All good things to those who wait."

He groaned as she ran a thumb over the head.

"Speaking of good things," he croaked.

She hummed and he gave a shudder.

"Have I ever told you you're a goddess?"

"Many times," she said, swirling her tongue.

"You're a fucking goddess," he breathed.

She relaxed her throat and pushed deeper, and he cried out.

"You're close," she breathed, and he gripped her hair.

"You know me too well," he choked.

She made a final move to pull him undone before moving to kiss him.

"Now that the score is all tied up," he purred. "Let's kick it up a notch."

"Don't you have to recharge your wand?" she asked, though she was already stroking his length again.

"You inspire me to overachieve."

She smirked as he stiffened, kissing him lazily as he grew in her hand. She adjusted and laved him again for good measure before sinking down and leaning back for her favourite angle.

"Did you take the potion today?" he groaned, strong hands maneuvering her hips.

"Obviously," she breathed.

"I don't know why I'm asking like I care," Draco laughed. "You know I'd love nothing more than for you to quit."

"Twenty-four," she breathed, putting her hands on his chest and leaning forward. "That's what we agreed."

"I'm willing to negotiate," he said, rising to a sitting position to fondle her chest.

"Thirty?" she laughed.

"I want to be a young, hip dad," he complained. "We should be four kids deep by 30."

"Your enthusiasm is admirable," she laughed.

"Promise me we'll have dirty, raunchy sex until the day you go into labour," he said, wanting to get something out of this negotiation.

"What if we have twins and I'm the size of a cruise liner?"

"Then your tits will be twice as big," he laughed. "And twins. Don't get my hopes up."

"There are no twins in my family," she said. "Don't hold your breath."

He nodded, pinning her down again before pushing her legs over his shoulders and driving deep.

"One baby at a time, then," he said slyly. "That just means I get to see you pregnant and glowing twice as often."

"You'll probably want to revise that when I'm in the delivery room cursing your name.

Draco said nothing because he could feel he was getting close.

"Flip over," he commanded, biting his lip as his fleshed slapped against hers.

"Maleficent, what you do to me," he breathed. "It should be illegal to feel this good."

She smiled, dangerously close as well.

"You know what we haven't done in awhile?" she whispered seductively, and he took her meaning at once, pulling out and back into her other entrance fluidly.

"Ah god, it's still incredibly tight."

"I should certainly hope so. We haven't had this in eight months."

His pace increased furiously, they were both panting.

"Fuck!" she screamed. "Oh my gods."

"Agreed," he groaned, slowing as he emptied into her.

"Gods I love you," she said, flopping back.

He nodded, kissing her.

"Thank you," he breathed.

She laughed.

"Are you thanking me for sex?"

He gazed at her earnestly, tucking a damp strand of hair behind her ear as he looked lovingly down at her. Sensing the shift but not quite understanding it, she leaned up, threading a hand through his hair and kissing him gently.

"Thank you for never giving up on us. I really don't deserve you, but I promise to spend every minute of the rest of my life trying."

"You're wrong about deserving me," she whispered, touching his cheek. "You're the greatest man I've ever known. And I promise to—"

Draco sat bolt upright, head pounding and chest heaving. He glanced at the softly ticking grandfather clock across from the bed. It was not yet seven thirty. The shut-outs in he and Gen's bedroom were drawn, and it was still dark.

Merlin's beard, what the hell was that? He glanced at Gen, who lay peacefully on her back. She looked like an angel with her golden hair spread out against their dark sheets. She was naked, and her small, firm breasts rose and fell as she quietly snoozed.

He turned away, practically forgetting Gen the minute he did. He ran his hands through his hair and closed his eyes. He could still imagine Leolin lying naked below him, and he clenched his fist. That was the most eerily powerful dream he'd ever had.

It wasn't just the sex; he'd admittedly been plagued by Leolin sex dreams for a solid year after she left. What had shaken him was everything else. The planning of the future. Their talk of children.

His throat ached.

Even if he had taken Leolin back in Atlanta, that could never be now. He screwed his eyes shut. He should have hunted Dolohov down first and ripped out his bloody lungs. At least then Leolin would have had a chance at happiness, even if it wasn't with him.

"Good morning," Gen purred, scooting to where Draco was sitting on the edge of the bed and kissing his neck. "You're up early. At least for you."

"Yeah," he said noncommittally. "I think I just have a lot on my mind."

"Why don't I ease it then," she whispered grabbing his earlobe with her teeth.

There was no point in denying it; Draco and Gen's sex life had come to a practical stand-still after everything that had transpired in New Orleans. He'd insisted he was extremely stressed—not a total lie by any stretch—and she accepted this without much comment. Draco would go as long as possible without seeming disinterested, but lately he'd had trouble maintaining his usual stamina. He'd blamed that on stress as well, though he had an unpleasant feeling that wasn't what was bothering him.

Sometimes he even caught himself seeing flashes of dark brown hair, at which point he would pin Gen underneath him and set a furious pace.

Gen brushed a hand into his lap.

"Did you have a naughty dream about me?" she said, smiling. "You're already hard."

"You know me too well," he smirked, covering his unease with ease.

Even in his fucking dreams Leolin could get him hard as a rock.

Draco pushed Gen back and wasted no time in putting his tongue to work, and soon she was mewing. It didn't take long to get her ready as well, and when he was sure she was, he sunk in deep.

"Did you take the potion already?" he breathed seriously.

"Now's not really the time for me to get pregnant," she said softly.

"I hate to agree," he said. "But I'm afraid I have to."

"We're young," she breathed. "I'm only twenty-three. We have plenty of time."

"I know," he breathed. "Thank Merlin for that."

She tossed her head back as he kissed her neck. However, he could feel himself beginning to lose traction. Supporting her back with one hand, he palmed her breast with the other. He wasn't sure if it was the pace or the position, but he felt like he was moving farther away from orgasm instead of closer towards it.

He fell onto his back, closing his eyes for a second.

"Ride me," he commanded, grabbing her hips and forcing her unceremoniously down to the hilt.

She gave a little gasp as he filled her, but soon enough she was moving, and he watched her small but succulent tits bounce merrily. Since, he was struggling.

"Fuck," he breathed, but realizing that hadn't really been the right thing to say, he added, "Genevieve, that feels incredible."

He closed his eyes and licked his lips, hoping he looked tangled in pleasure. In reality, he didn't honestly know how long he could keep her on top without losing his erection completely.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, he seethed internally. This wasn't about positions. Damn that stupid sodding dream. Still…

He pushed her hips back and forth to get as deep as he could before taking the plunge. He squeezed his eyes shut for a second. When his did, the breasts in front of him were fuller, and the breathy southern drawl was now an airy Welsh lilt.

"Oh gods," he groaned as she moved like she was actually in the saddle. "That's it."

Leolin drove her hands into her dark hair as she leaned back, still moving her hips.

"Oh Merlin," she whined softly. "I'm so close."

"Go on darling," his urged, bucking his hips up. "Come for you. I can't hold back much longer."

He brushed his thumb over her clit, meeting her strokes until he could feel her body begin to quiver then shudder then buck.

"Draco!" she screamed loudly. 'Oh my gods!"

He took that as permission and spilled into her, groaning as she swirled her hips a last time. He closed his eyes as she bent to kiss him, and when he opened them she was Gen again.

"I knew we just needed a little time," she said triumphantly, sliding off of him. "Draco, darling, that was incredible."

He smirked.

"I just needed the proper motivation."

"Happy to oblige," she purred, kissing him.

He flopped back onto the pillows, rubbing his face and running a hand through his mussed hair. She curled beside him.

"You know I love you, right?" she whispered earnestly, tracing his tattoo. "No matter what."

He looked down at her. Her eyes were impossibly sincere.

"I know," he said gently, kissing her again. "You were my saviour, Genevieve. Never forget that."

She nodded.

"I won't."

They lay their a moment longer, theirs eyes slipping closed as they flirted with sleep again. However, when Draco catch himself imagining it was Leolin curled beside him, heavy breasts pressed soothingly to his side, he sat up.

"I should get in the shower," he said, trying not to sound stiff as he untangled himself and rose. At the movement, Rodames had leapt up from his bed in the corner of the room, his tail wagging happily. Draco stepped needlessly into a pair of dark briefs before crossing to pet him.

Gen nodded again, and he gave Rodames a final pat before he padded off without another word.

He stood under the stream for a long time, allowing the hot water to run down his face, chest, and abdomen. Without realising it, his hand was at his sternum, touching the place his peregrine pendant had once hung.

He wasn't even sure he knew where it was now. In truth, he sometimes missed its pleasant weight around his neck. He leaned his head on the heated tiles, trying desperately to get a hold of himself. He would have to face Leolin for the first time today, and he needed composure. He was determined not the fall under her insidious spell again. She'd had her chance to tell him the truth in Atlanta, and she'd given it up. Now all he needed from her was a working relationship that was neither hostile nor charged. However, that, he knew, much be much easier said than done. Especially after what had just happened.

Finally he felt he could stand in the shower no longer, and he stepped out and wrapped a towel around his waist before looking at himself in the mirror. He was unaccustomed to seeing his hair hanging loose, and it somehow reminded him of a much younger version of himself. When he was 14, he hadn't even known who Leolin was or what she'd become to him. That seemed so impossible. He broke eye contact by opening the cabinet and rubbing his finely scented pomade between his palms before running it through his hair, feeling better.

He turned from side to side. The sides had grown to half an inch, which was longer than he liked. He needed to see his barber.

Padding from the bathroom, he found Gen still lounging in bed, reading a book. Rodames lay at the foot of the large bed, head resting on crossed paws.

It felt as if Gen had begun putting more energy into liking him, and he'd responded in kind. He still much preferred Draco's company, but he seemed wiling tolerate hers when Draco was unavailable. Draco thought of the way Rodames had been so utterly taken with Leolin, and his heart clenched in a way that made him a little nauseous.

"What are you reading?"

She didn't look up, but Rodames scrambled off the bed to sit at Draco's feet, his docked tail wagging excitedly.

"The Definitive History of Wizarding Britain."

"Well that sounds horribly boring," he commented wryly as he scratched the dog behind the ears, and she smiled.

"In 1066," she began aloud. "The now-prestigious Malfoy family arrived in England by way of the Norman invasion. Arnaud Malfoy, the first of the family's crusaders to land on English soil, quickly found wealth and success."

"Huh," he said amusedly in response, going to his closet.

Radames followed, lying on the floor and crossing his paws as Draco got dressed.

He stepped into dark jeans and collared shirt before shrugging into a navy blazer. He heeled into Prada boots before surveying himself in the mirror. He looked good, but then, he always did. He vainly admired his reflection for a bit before going to armoire and retrieving his glittering watch. He thought about having a look for the pendant just to satisfy his curiousity, but eventually decided better of it. He then slipped his wallet into his jeans, and exited the room, allowing Rodames to follow him before closing the door behind him.

Gen was just coming out of the bathroom as he emerged, and she appraised him.

"You look handsome," she said, smiling at him.

"Don't I always, darling?" he said arrogantly, looking in the mirror again and adjusting his cuffs a bit. Before he could stop himself, he imagined a half-naked Leolin coming up behind him to wrap her arms around his trim waist and lay a cheek lovingly against the broad plane of his back.

"Of course," Gen replied, drawing him from his reverie. "If we had more time, I would let you to take the whole thing off and get back into bed with me."

"Alas," he said, kissing her softly on the lips. "I'm running a little behind as it is."

She nodded.

"Are you going to see Audige today?" she queried.

He nodded.

"We've waited long enough. Adrian did a pretty solid number on him, but he will be gaining his strength back quickly. If we don't do something, we're going to lose control of him and everything we went through in New Orleans will have been for nothing."

She bit her lip. Everything Leolin had been through, he could tell she was thinking. Everything his Leolin had done and given up to see they had this opportunity.

"Be careful, then," she said delicately. "And try to play nice with Harry and the others."

"Oh, you know me," Draco said wryly. "Mr. Do-gooder."

"Definitely not," she said. "Though that's one of the many things I adore about you."

He smirked.

"See you later," he affirmed.

"Are you going out tonight?" she asked.

He nodded.

"We have to go to the Em for something."

She nodded.

"Max and Ashley have just gotten back into town, but I will meet you there at some point."

He nodded, and with that he strode out, Rodames on his heels. Gen watched them both go with glittering gaze. Draco headed down the stairs, flicking his wrist and starting a pot of coffee. It was too awkward to have servants in the flat, but Draco had hired someone to drop off breakfast in the morning, and he was infinitely glad he did.

He poured himself a cup of coffee and took a large sip, sighing contentedly. He them picked a Spanish palmera off a tray of pastries and took a bite. Rodames's food and water had also been set out, and he munched contentedly as Draco drank more of the coffee. When he'd finished it, he nipped back up stairs, brushing his teeth vigourously before swishing with mouthwash. Realising he'd not put on cologne, he went back to closet. Gen was inside in bra and knickers, and she smirked at him.

"Nothing too sexy," he warned, and she gave a shimmering bell laugh.

"It's as if you don't know me, darling," she smiled, slipping on a modest dress.

He awarded this with a kiss.

"You smell so lovely," she said, and he merely raised his eyebrows.

"Right," he said. "I'm really off now. Give me a kiss."

She obliged and he left her, petting a whining Rodames a final time.

"Go with Gen," Draco told him.

Rodames whined some more than barked.

"Rodames," Draco commanded. "Go upstairs and keep Genevieve company. juste vas-t'en!"

Rodames huffed, and Draco pointed to the stars "maintenant!"

Rodames finally did as he was told, bounding gracefully up the stairs and out of sight.

Draco shook his head before stepping out the door of the flat. He apparated to Harry and Grace's sprawling house just North of Primrose hill in Northwest London. In lieu of an official headquarters, they had been meeting at the Potter's. However, they'd agreed that it was too dangerous to keep Audige somewhere Adrian could potentially find him, and Grace refused to let him in the same house as the girls. As a consequence, they were only meeting at the Potters' to convene before going to his location. Even Draco didn't know where that was. They'd made sure no one person knew everything about Audige's whereabouts, and it was Harry'd who'd arranged the details of Audige's incarceration. In truth, Draco was somewhat eager to find out where he was.

He passed through the wrought-iron gates and strode up the drive as a maid opened the door. He had to admit it amused him that the annoyingly noble Harry Saint Potter had hired help, but he supposed that with two small children in the house, it was something of a necessity. Speaking of which…

"Mummy!" Scarlet, the elder, called, practically shoving her nanny out of the way. "Another person is here!"

Merlin, did she look like Potter. She had her grandmother's green eyes and Potter's obscenely unruly black hair, though hers was a mop of admittedly adorable black curls that suited her far better than they did him. Scarlet gazed up at Draco in fascination and he raised his eyebrows.

"Scarlet," he said in greeting, heaving her onto his hip. "Bigger and bigger all the time."

"Mummy," Scarlet called in response. "It's Draco," studying her face as he carried her inside.

Grace appeared then, seeming somewhat harried, a pouty Sophia on her hip.

"Hey Drake," she said, looking drawn. "Come in."

"Mummy," Scarlet said, running excitedly over as Draco set her down. "Look, Draco's here!"

"I see that," Grace said.

"Rough morning?" he asked, approaching and touching Sophia's chubby cheek. she blushed and turned away.

"Typical toddler drama," Grace said. "Excuse me, Sophia Rose, can you say hello?"

Sophia responded by burying her head in Grace's shoulder, but Grace wasn't to be deterred.

"Hello?" she said, poking Sophie's side. "Can we please be polite and say hello?"

Sophie turned to Draco, head still resting on Grace's shoulder as she softly said, "hello."

"Nice to see you, " Draco said, as if speaking to adult.

"I'll take it, you little turnip," Grace said, making Sophie giggle and bury her face.

"Mummy," Scarlet whined, coming over and hugging Grace's legs. "Hold me, too."

"Scarlet, I can't hold you and Sophie with my tummy."

"That's not fair!" Scarlet wailed, tears in her eyes.

"Okay, how's this?" Grace said, setting Sophia down as well.

"No!" Sophia wailed at once, extending her arms up.

"Sophia, you're not a baby anymore, and Mummy has practically been holding you all day. Can you be a big girl and walk like Scarlet?"

"NO!" Sophia whined more emphatically, and soon both girls when touching Grace's swelling belly insistently.

She was solidly pregnant now, and she had really begun to round out.

"Oh my life, you two," Grace said, exasperated. "Draco, why don't you go in the other room and count you lucky little stars you aren't a dad yet."

"Yes ma'am," he said, tipping an invisible hat to the girls. "Ladies, it's been a pleasure."

Scarlet was momentarily distracted by this, but Sophia was still wailing.

"Mama! Hold me!"

"What I wouldn't give for a dirty martini," Grace breathed, trying to stay calm.

Draco touched her sympathetically on the back before exiting the entryway and going into Harry's elegant study.

There was a long table running down the middle, and many of the group had already assembled there. There was an empty seat next to Ginny in the middle of the table, but he seemed to sense who it was meant for, and he decided to sit as far away from it as possible.

"You look tired," Pansy commented at once.

"Why thank you," Draco said curtly. "How charming of you to say so."

"Rough night?" Blaise asked.

"Trouble sleeping," Draco replied simply, and Ieuan nodded, taking Luke's hand.

"There's a lot of that going around these days."

"I would imagine so," Draco said, though he assumed most of them weren't having raunchy dreams about Leolin.

Eventually he settled next to Max, who shook his hand.

"How's it going, mate?" Draco said, cordial but not overly jubilant. There was no point in denying how much it annoyed him that Leolin had actually slept with Max.

"Alright, all things considered," Max replied evenly. Draco suspected Max was equally as annoyed about the way Draco had all but ignored Gen after Leolin had been injured.

Draco nodded, eyes scanning the table.

"Thanks for not inviting fucking Troy," he said to no one in particular.

"Don't get too excited," Harry warned. "He would have been here, but his wife has the Welsh flu."

"Ah yes," Draco said snidely. "The elusive wife."

"Play nice," Ginny warned.

Draco continued to scan the table, and he stopped when his eyes settled on Nikki Clearwater.

"Surprised to see you here, Clearwater."

Nikki, who had graduated several years ahead of Draco at Hogwarts, gave a condescending sniff. Despite being a Slytherin, she'd married George Weasley.

"It's Weasley now, as you well know, and besides trying not to be annoyed at that comment , I'm here representing my family."

"That's good of you," Draco said in mock admiration. "I know your husband is busy with the very important task of running his joke shop."

"If someone's not there to help lift people's spirits," she said tartly. "We'll all be dragged until by your tedious brooding."

"Naturally," Draco shot back.

Just then a handsome stranger appeared, grinning at Max and sinking into the seat beside him.

"Ren," Max said, seemingly genuinely pleased. "I'm glad you made it. I was worried you wouldn't be able to make it across the pond, given the current climate."

The man shrugged. "I was in Quèbec. The AAO hasn't been able to convince Canada to give a damn about their political tedium yet."

Draco quickly sized the man up as Max laughed. The man had an easy and affable grace about him, and Draco knew at once he was destined to loathe him.

The man leaned back in his chair until he was balancing on two legs. He then looked at Draco.

"You must be Genevieve's fiancée. Sorry we didn't get the pleasure to meet in Atlanta. It was a bit of a mad dash. I'm Felix Chaisson."

Draco found his Quebecois accent irritating. Felix extended his hand and Draco shook it.

"Draco," he said simply.

"Oh I know," Felix replied, grinning.

"I'm sorry," Draco spit in naked contempt. "How exactly to the two of you know each other?"

Felix and Max traded a glance.

"We went to boarding school in San Fran together," Max said matter-of-factly, as if challenging Draco to have a problem with that.

"And how is it that we never met in Atlanta?" Draco prodded.

Felix gave a cheeky grin that Draco longed to slap off his face.

"I'm more of a behind the scenes type of person. In and out, you know."

"Okay," Draco said. "And what exactly was it that you were doing beside the scenes, then?"

"Oh," Felix said, smiling. "I took the tracker charm out of Leolin's arm."

Draco looked at Max pointedly. "I didn't realize she ever had one."

Max shrugged.

"It wasn't anything major. My AAO contact Olivia had to insert one to maintain her cover."

"And you didn't think to consult anyone else about that?"

Max clenched his jaw.

"You were out, so I had to make a judgment call. Besides, she didn't have it in for more than three hours or so."

"Thanks to me," Felix smirked

"That could have totally fucked us, Brankovitch," Draco grit out.

"But it didnt," Max said, annoyed. "Look, you were freaking out about Leolin enough as it was," Max snapped, visibly annoyed. "I didn't need you getting all rabid dog protective again and ruining Olivia's position at the AAO. It was fine; I handled it."

Before a fight could break out, Grace walked in.

"Your children are a bloody terror," she said to Harry. "And you're on daddy duty for the rest of the day. I'm going to savour one of my few glasses of red wine."

"Fair enough," Harry said sympathetically, squeezing her hand. She looked exhausted.

"Is this everyone?" Tieran asked.

"Borgia's not," Pansy said, looking around.

Ginny shook her head at once.

"Neither is Leolin."

"I don't think she's coming," Ieuan said truthfully.

Just then the double doors swung imperiously open, and Ginny looked up hopefully, clearly hoping it would be Leolin. It wasn't.

"I'm afraid neither of them is here," Xavier Borgia said authoritatively, striding into the room. Draco wasn't sure how exactly had and Severina were related, but Xavier shared her fierce Borgia aura and her somewhat sinister Spanish beauty. Xavier looked haughty and dangerous, and the look he gave Draco was none-too-friendly. Xavier, Draco suspected, must have attended university at the London Academy of Magical Arts, because his accent, though unmistakably Spanish, had a crisp English undertone.

"Where's Leolin?" Ginny queried at once.

Xavier's fierce gaze bled to her, and he gave her a penetrative look.

"She's suffered a great trauma," Xavier said, fierce falling on Draco before moving away to survey the group more generally . "She's resting."

"And your wife?"

"Indisposed, at the moment," Xavier said flippantly. "She's attending to something of great importance. I'll speak with her voice for now."

"And Lefevre?" Draco demanded. "Her seat at this table is still empty. She has a responsibility to be here."

Xavier bared his teeth at Draco.

"How dare you," he snarled quietly. "say her name in my presence; you gave up that right. And if you ever speak ill of her in my presence again, I will tear your head from your shoulders"

"You're welcome to try," Draco snapped, rising and drawing his wand.

Xavier drew his as well.

"Your transparency is wretched to watch," he said with venom, wand still raised. "Everyone here know why you're demanding Leolin fill this seat. We all have to pay for our choices in the end, Malfoy; you've no one to blame but yourself if you're regretting yours."

"Not afraid of you, Borgia," Draco said, sounding almost bored. "I'd crush you in a duel and we both know it."

"Draco!" Grace admonished.

"Say one more thing and I'll kill you," Xavier snapped, gaze nasty now. "Alliance or no."

It was here that Blaise drew his wand, though he didn't seem to be defending Draco.

"Enough," he boomed, wand pointed at each of them in turn.

"Rimanere fuori da questo," Xavy snarled at Blaise, temporary switching where his wand was pointed. "Questo non ti riguarda."

"Non ho paura di te, Borgia," Blaise said as Harry rose as well, wand raised.

"Stop!" Ginny insisted, forcing Draco to lower his wand. "Does either of you seriously think this is what Leolin would want?"

This comment seemed to catch both Xavier and Draco off-guard, and Xavier looked, if not contrite, subdoed by her utterance.

"You're right," Xavier said imperiously to Ginny, and he lowed his wand as well. "Forgive me."

Ginny nodded grimly and the entire group seemed to fade into reverent silence.

"Right," Ieuan said finally. "What's the plan?"

"We've waited long enough," Harry said grimly. "We need to speak with Audige. We can't hold him forever and he knows it. If we don't get him to talk soon, things could get nasty."

"Right," Tieran said. "But we need to talk about expansion first. The old Order is all but destroyed, and we have to rebuild our numbers. We need to recruit people we know we can trust."

"How many do we have right now?" Max said.

"On your side?" Blaise said. "No more than thirty-five, I would say."

"That's not nearly enough," Luke mused.

"Let's run them down and start making a list of potential recruits," Grace said shrewdly.

"Everyone here," Luke offered.

"The Weasleys," Nikki offered as well. "There's 13 of us, including me."

"Better avoid dining together," Blaise muttered, and she glared at him.

"Who else?" Draco said.

"Kelly and Cara Troy," Grace said, and Draco rolled his eyes.

"We can count Oliver Wood in, too," Ginny said. "I know we can trust him."

Blaise stiffened a bit, and she touched his arm.

"Wes Carmichael as well," Pansy offered. "Leolin's cousin Blair and his wife Charlotte, and Forest Lawrence."

"I don't trust Forest," Draco added.

"We'll see if Blair vouches for him," Harry said evenly.

"Borgia," Tieran said, glancing at Xavier. "How many do you have?"

His arms were crossed and he looked solemn.

"Ten, perhaps less."

"That few?" Nikki said.

"I'm a Borgia," Xavier said, eyes flashing. "There is little trust in my world."

"How many yanks, Brankovitch?" Draco asked.

"Olivia Westmoreland in the AAO office. I have several others in the ministry, but I don't really want to say more."

"What departments?" Harry asked.

"I don't want to say," Max repeated. "But there's one in particular at the top on the British side. They have an eye out."

He and Felix traded a look.

"That's it?" Ginny demanded.

"I have more, but I don't think I have to list their names. I trust all of them implicitly. "Same with Ren here."

Felix gave a salute.

"How many in total?'

"Around thirty" Max said.

"What about Lyra?" Blaise asked seriously.

"Who is she, again?" Pansy asked.

"She's the healer that saved Lefevre's life," Blaise said. "And she's a family friend."

"She did lie to Adrian for Leolin, even under pressure," Tieran pointed out.

"Do you trust her?" Luke said seriously.

Blaise bit his lip.

"I would unreservedly say yes, but if she was pressured or threatened we might have to keep her at arm's length until we can get her family to safety."

Tieran nodded.

"Who else?" Draco asked.

"That's about it," Harry said.

"So who are we looking to recruit?"

"Geoffrey Blackburn," Blaise said at once. "We need his curse-breaker skill set."

"What am I?" Felix demanded hotly.

"We can't have you spread too thin," Tieran pointed out. "And the Blackburns are well-connected. That can't hurt."

"I don't remember another Blackburn, " Grace said. "What house?"

"Slytherin," Draco said, looking pointedly at Ieuan. "He was three years below us."

Grace still shook her head.

Blaise clenched his jaw.

"The one Ieuan used to pick on," Blaise said reproachfully.

"Not my finest hour," Ieuan admitted. "Though, in my defense, I was trying to come to terms with my sexuality."

"That's not much of an excuse," Luke said softly, and Ieuan hung his head.

"So this Blackburn kid," Max said. "What's his story?"

"He has four wildly successful older brothers," Draco explained. "The oldest is Langdon. Langdon was a Hufflepuff and the golden boy. Won every award, head boy, top of his class. He went on to be a top surgeon at St. Mungo's with his dad, and he's completely beloved. Now he's married to a Brazilian supermodel and has like four angelic kids.

"Next is Bentley," Blaise said. "And he was a bad boy even by Slytherin standards. He got into a lot of trouble, but he was wild at parties and wicked at quidditch, and everyone thought he was dead cool. He plays for Falmouth as a beater now. He married his Hogwarts sweetheart and they have a kid, too, but everyone knows he steps out on her."

"Sampson is a barrister," Pansy said. "And I honestly think he was one of the smartest kids Hogwarts has seen in a long time. He was in Ravenclaw, his grades were off the charts, and he had this way of tangling people up in logic and tripping them to get what he wanted from them. He's a super successful barrister now, and I don't think he's lost a case in years. He makes more money that god, and I'm pretty sure he's too much of a meglomaniac to even be in a healthy relationship.

"Vance is the second youngest," Nikki explained. "But he and Sam are Irish twins and super close. Vance is a super successful restauranteur. He has dozens of places all over Europe, and unless your Draco Malfoy," she shot him a look, "you have to make reservations months in advance. He was friends with Blair and Forest and Kelly in school, I'm pretty sure, and he's classic Gryffindor."

"Then there's Geoff," Ieuan said, sounding guilty. "He was skinny and awkward and shy all through school, and people routinely forgot he was a Blackburn. The closest brother to his age was Vance, but since he and Sam were in the same year, they pretty much ignored him. He was the captain of the gobstones club, which was akin to social suicide, he was bullied," Ieuan paused, adjusting his glasses. "And he had a hapless crush on a gorgeous older girl he never had a prayer of getting."

"He did," Grace said. "Who?"

Ieuan looked at Pansy, who groaned.

"I barely had any idea who he was," Pansy admitted. "And let's get real; I'd shagged people like Blaise and Draco; Geoff and I were never going to work. Besides, by the time he was a teenager I already had my eye on someone just as far out of my reach."

"Who?" Ginny said eagerly.

Pansy and Tieran exchanged a look, and he raised his eyebrows at her.

"In my defense," Tieran said. "She was well over eighteen and finished with uni by the time I asked her out."

"Well at least we know who we're sending to fetch Geoff," Draco said wryly.

"You aren't serious," Pansy breathed, looking at Tieran again.

"Dead serious," Blaise said. "And don't wear your ring."

"That's bollocks," she said. "And cheap. I'm not bloody doing that."

"This is serious," Harry scolded. "We need every advantage we can get."

Pansy groaned and Draco raised his eyebrows.

"Who else?" Tieran said.

"Jack Mclatchie," Ieuan offered. "We need boots on the ground, and he's street-level; he knows all the chatter. Besides, no one ever pays attention to him, he'll be good eyes and ears."

"No," Draco said emphatically. "Absolutely fucking not. I am not going to sit around and listen to the chavvy twat prattle on in fucking cockney rhyme slang all day."

"No, Ieuan has a point, Drake," Blaise said. "We can't just have high profiles like you and me. We need stealth, too."

"Oh, hex me," Draco demanded.

"I say we seek him out, " Harry said. "Though we have to be wary. Last time round we had Dung Fletcher, and he wasn't a death eater, but he wasn't exactly loyal either. Mad Eye died because of him."

"Where can we find this unsavory creature?" Severina asked.

"Oh he's an Em institution, "Ieuan said. "We can always find him there."

Draco looked at Blaise.

"We're heading there tonight. We'll find the stupid bastard."

Harry nodded.

"I think it's a good start. Let's see where we get with these, then we can widen our search. Gin, you go to the Dip tonight and see if you can talk to Blair or Oliver or both."

"Shouldn't Leolin be the one to talk to Blair?" Ginny asked. "He's practically her older brother."

"We have no idea how long she'll be absent," Harry said at last. "We can't afford to waste time on this."

Ginny nodded slowly, knowing it was true.

"The rest of you keep thinking," Harry said. "We need more than five new recruits."

"We will," Nikki affirmed. "I will contact you later this week with more."

Harry nodded.

"Thank you."

"I should go," Pansy said, rising. "I need to head to Blackburn's as soon as possible. Promise to shag me after," she said, and Tieran flushed.

"Pansy," he said indignantly.

She smirked before bending to kiss him.

"Please be careful with Audige," she said more seriously, touching his cheek.

"I will," he promised.

She nodded, giving the others a smile before heading out.

Draco looked at Max.

"Are you coming with us, Brankovitch?" he asked.

Max shook his head.

"I can't. I need to speak with one of my contacts and it's time sensitive."

"A convenient excuse to avoid Audige," Blaise pointed out unhappily.

"Suck my dick," Max shot back, jerking his head to Felix, who followed him out the door without another word.

It was just Tieran, Draco, Blaise, Ginny, Grace, Harry, and Xavier now.

"We ought to get going," Tieran said. "There is no telling how long this could take."

They nodded, and Harry turned to Grace, gently taking her shoulders.

"You stay here with the girls. I will be back later."

"What?" she demanded. "No! Harry, you're not going."

"I have to," he said.

"I need a break!" she demanded. "I'm exhausted and I can't take of the girls and relax."

"Call your mum," he said sympathetically. "She can look after them so you can lie down."

"Harry—"

"We need him, Grace," Blaise said gently.

She looked close to tears.

"Fine," she snapped tersely, slipping her hand from her husband'S. "Then I expect you home for dinner."

He nodded, kissing her forehead.

"I will be, I promise."

When she disappeared, they all looked around. Ginny noticed Blaise looking at her meaningfully, and she shook her head fiercely.

"No," she said. "Don't you dare. I'm going for Leolin."

"Gin," he said. "Don't be imprudent. She had experience with this you don't have."

"Neither do you," she shot back. "And you're not going to change my mind."

He nodded, knowing he would never win this fight.

"Let's go, then," Tieran said, nodding at each of them.

"Where are we going?" Xavier asked.

"I don't want to say," Harry said, picking up what looked like the a ship's wheel. "Even here. We're going by portkey. It's safer and more discreet than apparating."

They all took hold, trading him expressions. No one said a word, but Draco could see in each of their eyes that they were afraid. He hadn't expected to be, but her realised as he gripped one of the worn teak handles that he was, too. Before he could stop himself, Draco imagined what it must have been like for Leolin, how terrified she must have been all alone and at Audige's mercy. He thought of how fragile she'd looked in Scabior's coat, desperate to hide the shame of Adrian's cruel degradation. He imagined her crying as Pucey stripped her down and leered at her, no doubt threatening to finish the job when his task was completed. The idea of his hands on Leolin's skin made Draco sick, and he grit his teeth in pain and anger. Audige would give them what they wanted; if he didn't, Draco would peel the flesh from his bones.

"Ready?" Harry said, counting down.

Before anyone could respond, they were jerked away, spinning and spinning for what felt like forever. Finally the wheel slowed. However, the length of the journey had made them all feel woozy, and no one managed to land on their feet. They instead ended up in a unceremonious heap. Draco stood, dusting his hand off on his jeans before looking up at a familiar sight. He turned to Harry.

"Are you fucking daft? This is where you're keeping Audige?"

Harry and Tieran traded a look. Clearly they were in agreement.

"Adrian would never think to look here," he explained. "And it's one of the safest places in Britain."

They all looked back up at the Hogwarts castle in disbelief.

"What about the students?" Ginny said.

"The term doesn't begin until the first of September," Tieran pointed out.

"Let's go," Blaise said, seeming to take the news they were housing a war lord here, of all places, in stride.

Silently they took off. It was a chilly, gray day, and the grass underfoot was damp but lush. Having emerged on the far end of the Forbidden Forest, they were eventually forced to skirt around the deserted quidditch stadium. Draco couldn't bear to look at it. The minute the gold hoops were visible, he was inundated with memories. Leolin strutting around in little more than bra and knickers in an effort to make him jealous. The panic of seeing her in free fall, and the sheer relief she'd hit his broom and he knew she was safe. The day she'd first told him she loved him. The morning of the quidditch final when they'd sat together in silence and watched the sun rise. The way it felt to be comforted by her. It was a feeling that he could never in one hundred lifetimes forget, and now it was threatening to overtake him entirely.

He bowed his head and rolled his shoulders forward to fend off the warmth even the memory of that morning had inspired.

"You alright, Drake?" Ginny said softly, taking his hand.

He nodded.

"Just getting ready."

Soon enough they were passing through the castle's front gates, crossing the main courtyard and slipping inside the entryway.

"It feels weird to be back," Ginny admitted. "It's been almost six years for me."

"Me too," Harry said.

"This feeling doesn't ever really go away," Tieran admitted.

"Tieran," a stern voice echoed. "We've been expecting you."

Minerva McGonagall was striding purposefully down the stairs, frowning concernedly as she eyed them each in turn.

She was dressed in her same crushed velvet robes, severe bun, black hat, and grim expression.

"I wish I could say it was good to see you all," she said, giving them each a sympathetic look. "But I'm afraid under the circumstances..."

Ginny nodded.

"We understand. Thank you for doing this."

"I only hope it's enough," McGonagall admitted.

"Adrian Pucey hasn't turned up, has he?" Tieran asked seriously.

She pursed her lips.

"No," she said tersely.

Her expression wasn't particularly difficult to interpret. She'd known Adrian since he was eleven years old, and she'd watched him grow up alongside the rest of them. That was likely how she remembered him: as a young boy. Spoiled, perhaps, somewhat arrogant, but overally not so different from his peers.

"Come along, then," she said, turning and beginning up the stone stairs. They all followed in silence, almost like first years waiting to be sorted. She led them to the Great Hall, who's ceiling boomed with nasty thunder and lit up with jagged lightening. After New Orleans, Draco had little doubt as to why.

"How long has it been doing that?" Ginny asked quietly.

She was obviously thinking the same thing Draco was. McGonagall pursed his lips.

"Two weeks," he replied. "I dare say you came just in time. This castle can only bear so much."

"Thank you for your help, Minerva," Tieran said seriously.

She nodded, looking as close as Draco had even see her to crying.

"Do you know where you're going?"

Tieran nodded again. Draco thought he probably did, too.

"Off you go, then," McGonagall said. "And good luck. I would come with you, but I'm afraid I'm not the witch I once was."

Draco had never seen her so candid, so disarmed, and it made him yearn to be sixteen again, when it wasn't monsters like Audige he feared, but McGonagall herself.

"Take care," she said, squeezing Ginny's hand and looking at them. "The castle can defend itself, but it is in no way infallible."

"We know," Harry said quietly.

She nodded, looking at him sadly, as if he were James. Tieran jerked his head at them as he ascended the stairs.

They all followed him to the fifth floor, and Draco swallowed a rising knot in his throat as they stopped in front of a pair of forbidding iron doors.

"These are the doors to Audige's court," Harry said solemnly.

"How was he able to manage that?" Xavier said.

"It's a Room of Requirement," Ginny explained. "It can change to suit your desires."

Draco and Blaise traded an uneasy look.

"It's shouldn't be this way," Blaise said. "Audige shouldn't be able to control the room. It should be controlling him."

They all looked tense.

"Get ready," Tieran said. "We might be walking into a trap."

They all drew their wands, and Draco and Blaise pushed the doors open. Beyond yawned a cold, dark corridor. Ginny looked at Blaise before stepping forward. The rest of them followed. As soon as they were all inside, the torches ensconced on the walls blazed to life, the light falling on hundreds of skulls jammed into the wall.

Draco recoiled in surprise, but he quickly recovered. He'd seen this before in the Catacombs of Paris.

"Do you think this is what it was like?" Ginny asked meekly, glancing around and happening to catch Xavier's eye. "For Leolin?"

"Yes," Tieran replied. "I think so."

"I can't believe she didn't turn back," Harry said. "She must have been scared out of her bloody mind."

"I can," Xavier said fiercely, eyes on Draco now. "She's fearless."

"How much farther, do you think?" Blaise quieried.

"Not much," Draco said.

They'd rounded the bend and found themselves face to face with a set a wrought iron gates, beyond which stretched only darkness. The gate opened with a flick of Xavier's wrist, and the throne room beyond blazed to light, the wall tapestries fluttering and their footsteps echoing off the stone. Draco glanced at Blaise, and they must have had the same thought, because at the same time they began to will the room to change. The vaulted ceiling shrank, the walls closed in, and rows of steel bars encased the lone figure in the room, bathed in the light of a solitary occulus overhead. Audige prowled silently back and forth behind the bars for a minute, like a wild animal. His blue eye glinted as they approached. However, they only made it several steps before the air began to quiver. The bars disappeared as quickly as they came, and the vaults re-blossomed like spring violets, and before long they were standing back in Audige's court. He conquered himself a chair, a throne, and sat down, unmoving.

The silence was tense, and no one moved. It was clear that the room had not yet lost complete control of Audige, but its defensives were wearing dangerously thin. Audige studied them each in turn, movements unhurried, almost hypnotic, as if he was trying to lull them into a stupor before he struck. Finally he spoke.

"The french girl," he said in a slow, rolling voice. "Is she dead?"

They all traded a look.

"No," Xavier said at last.

Audige seemed to consider this, and he soon settled back into unnerving silence.

"Tell us about Bones," Draco said in a hard voice.

"No," Audige said, drumming his spindly fingers on the arms of his chair.

"Do you not value your freedom?" Xavier said. "Tell us or we will leave you here to rot."

Audige's eyes flicked to Xavier, lip curling.

"A lie," Audige said, standing. "You don't have the power to keep me here, Spaniard. That means you have nothing to offer me."

"We could kill you," Tieran said.

"You could try," Audige amended.

Overhead, the sky rumbled. When no one spoke, and he rose, advancing.

"I. do. not. fear. you," Audige snarled. The thunder was much louder now. "And when this is done, I will walk over your corpses to my freedom."

"You can try," Draco said, raising his wand.

That was when invisible clouds tore open overhead, drenching them all with rain. The lamps were instantly extinguished, and they could only catch a glimpses of Audige when the lightening flashed. He was advancing, seemingly undaunted by the darkness. Around them the room struggled to defend itself, defend them, but it's strength was waning at last. They began firing hexes, all of which missed the stalking Audige. They moved back to back, trying to defend against him. He seemed to be calling down the lightening now like the mighty Zeus, and Draco could see how that he meant to electrocute them. He fired a hex that stuck Audige square in the chest, and the bokor stumbled back, the lightening temporarily ceasing as the rain continued to pummel them and they were plunged into darkness. They continued to fire hexes, but their blind, and they feared striking one another. They stood back to back, and Draco could find Ginny shivering next to him, desperately afraid.

Finally the sky blazed up with a blinding flash, and Audige was mere feet from them, teeth bared and eyes blazing. He raised a claw-like hand, ready to strike them all down. However, as he brought down the lightening, a figure emerged, drawing a sword like a storybook hero, and the lightening glanced off the glinting blade, blasting Audige back. The rain lessened and the thunder and lightening relented. Tieran was able to light the room as Audige remained on the stone floor, eyes fixed on the sword-wielder.

Severina Borgia stood above him with chest heaving, the famous sword Tizona grabbed tightly in her hand. She looked fearsome and beautiful and terrible, and Draco thought for a moment she was going to run Audige through with the store. Instead she waited for him regain his footing, rising to his true height and dwarfing her. Still, she didn't cower.

"Where did you get that sword?" Audige finally said, retreating fluidly backwards and sinking slowly onto the throne again. The rain had stopped, and all traces of the monster had retreated neatly back into the man.

"It belonged to Cesare Borgia," she explained. "He used it to conquer La Romagna. Along with this," she said, holding up an ancient wand.

It didn't surprise Draco that the Borgias were a family that still passed down wands.

Audige nodded. He didn't look afraid, and Draco doubted he was. However, he clearly saw in Severina a worthy opponent. Draco sensed that if he was going to treat with anyone, it as going to be her.

"Tell me about Gianno di Ossa," she demanded.

"No," Audige said calmly, steepling his fingers. "You still have nothing to offer me."

"I could kill you," she pointed out.

He met her gaze intently.

"Perhaps," he said. "But you have no guarantee that I won't come back. That would be your end, and it would be bloody."

Xavier was at her back now, looked fierce as well. Severina didn't react. She didn't flinch at this the way most people who have. Her beautiful face was grim, and she responded by drawing a pair a manacles from her belt and holding them out so Audige could see them, and his expression changed.

"I know you recognise these," she said. "They belonged to the Dutch slaver van Nyendael. He used them on the wizards in Nigeria, stripped their magic and made them squib slaves."

Audige looked murderous, otherworldly. Still, something akin to fear was also flashing in his eyes.

"You would dare to try to use those on me?"

She shook her head and cast them to his feet.

"Give me what I want and they're yours. You can bring all of New Orleans to heel. You won't be the king of the Quarter; you'll be its god."

He considered this.

"Going once, Audige," she said.

His eyes glinted. Draco could see how badly he wanted this.

"Twice," she warned.

He was clearly weighing his options, sizing Severina up. Draco bet that he longed to killed her and take the chain without ceding his secret. His eyes skated up the sword at her left hip and the wand at her right before sailing over her shoulder to drink Xavier in, then Tieran, Blaise, Ginny, and Draco himself. He was trying to decide if he could take them all. He had to know he couldn't. He'd been no match for Adrian's crew, and that had nearly cost him everything.

"Last chance," Severina said. "Either give us what we want and take the chains or I slap them on your wrists and truly leave you here to languish."

She extended a beautifully manicured hand, long hairs filed into blunted points. He considered her hatefully for a moment before thrusting his palm into hers. When their hands touched, sparks flew. The contract was binding. Audige bent to retrieve the manacles, sliding back to his throne and perching atop it.

"If you wish to summon Bones," he began, running the chain through his fingers as if it was a silk ribbon. "You must pay him."

"Pay him in what?" Tieran pressed.

Audige considered this. Draco knew exactly what he was doing. He'd vowed to Severina he would tell them the truth, but he was searching for a way to obscure it to the point of uselessness. Finally, he spoke.

"You seek a man," he said in a slow, self-satisfied voice. "He will tell you what Bones requires."

"Who?" Draco said in agitation.

Audige considered this question, too.

"Clement's Keeper."

"Who is Clement?" Draco demanded.

"A prince," Audige replied.

"A prince of what?" Ginny pressed.

Audige looked at her but didn't answer. He'd told them the truth, and he'd told them enough. Draco knew he wouldn't give them more than that.

"That's it?" Blaise demanded. "What are we supposed to do with that?"

Audige fixed Blaise with his lopsided stare.

"I don't care."

"Give us more," Severina demanded, drawing the sword again.

Audige looked at it dispassionately.

"No," he said simply. "I fulfilled my part of your bargain."

"You cheated," she snapped.

And he shrugged.

"One last piece of advice, then," he said.

"Go on," Tieran prompted.

"The french girl."

"What about her?" Draco demanded.

In all the excitement, Draco had temporarily forgotten about Leolin. However, at her mention, he imagined her standing toe-to-toe with Audige the way Severina had, armed instead with nothing but her nerve.

"She might know."

"And if she doesn't?" Harry pressed.

"Then you are fools, and you have given me something for nothing."

Severina grit her teeth as she and Xavier exchanged a look.

"Bargain is a bargain," Audige told Severina. "Let me go."

Draco and Severina looked at each other. Don't let him he warned silently He could still kill us. However, eventually she turned and nodded stiffly.

"Peakes," she said. "Let him go."

Tieran drew his wand hesistantly and cast a spell, and Audige smiled a crooked, nasty smile. It made Draco's blood run cold.

"Wait—" he began, but in a crack, Audige managed a feat Draco had never even seen Dumbledore do; he apparated out of Hogwarts castle.

When he was gone, they all exhaled a stale breath.

"I hope we didn't make a huge mistake giving him that," Blaise said quietly.

"We didn't," Severina said evenly.

"Let's go," Harry said. "I want to get back to Grace."

They all nodded.

"Drake," Blaise said. "We'll see you at the Em later."

Draco nodded.

Soon they'd all filed out and started their separate ways, and Draco waited until he and Severina were alone before he grabbed her by the arm.

"How is she?" he demanded.

Severina gave him an ugly look, shaking his arm off. The sword at her hip glinted.

"What business is it of yours?" she demanded. "You cast your die in Atlanta."

"It is my business," Draco hissed. "It's all our of our business. She's needed here."

"What she needs is rest," Severina countered. "She almost died, or did you forget?"

"Of course I haven't. But every day my stepfather is missing is a day wasted to me."

"She brought her research with her," Severina said. "She's still working diligently."

"With her where?" Draco demanded. "Where is she?"

"I sent her to the Costa del Sol. The lack of sun here was killing her."

"You mean she's lounging on a beach somewhere? Isn't that just fantastic!"

"She deserves it, "Severina snapped. "And she's still working as hard as ever. She and one of my thieves think they've found the painting. They're working to get it open."

"And you're just now telling me?"

"You're on a need to know basis in my book," she sneered. "And don't put your back to me, Malfoy. I have half a mind to drive a knife into it."

He released his grip on her and tipped his head back onto the stone as she stormed away.

---

Pansy stood a block away from Geoff Blackburn's small studio in Knockturn, chewing her lip nervously. She felt so naked without her ring on and she tried not to touch her bare skin too often. She'd never realized how attached to it she was. She thought of Tieran and bit her lip again. While Geoff was quietly pining after her, she was lying in bed, her hand working below the sheets as she fantasized about Tieran. It was just the taboo of it at first, but by the time she graduated her infatuation had grown to admiration. She kept her distance, of course, in no way wanting to jeopardize his job at Hogwarts. Still, she'd carried a torch for him all throughout uni, and the day she bumped into him at the Sly Bastard pub had been one of the best of her life.

"Miss Parkinson," he'd said, trying to sound affable but barely avoiding being curt.. "Home at last."

She'd raised her eyebrows.

"I'm twenty-two now, Professor, and a university graduate. I think it'd be alright if you called me Pansy."

He'd nodded.

"I admit that seems…reasonable."

She'd flashed him a dazzling smile and sunk down on the stool next to him. She 'd watched his eyes dip to her neckline as she shrugged out of her coat. However, they snapped back up and once and he clenched his jaw.

"Does this mean I should call you Tieran?" she'd said somewhat seductively.

He had had to fight not the smile. She was so painfully charming.

"That seems fitting, I suppose."

"I think so, too."

"So," she'd begun, trailing off and resting her chin in her hand, studying him intently.

Disarmed, he's finally give an uncomfortable smile.

"So," he'd repeated. "Where are you coming back from?"

"The Queen's Academy in Belfast," she'd said, smiling.

"My old stomping grounds as well," he'd supplied. "What did get your degree in?"

"Advanced potions."

"Professor Snape would be proud," Tieran had pointed out, his honey eyes dancing across her face.

"Are you?" she'd asked candidly, batting her tasteful fake lashes.

He'd seemed surprised, and he'd considered for a moment.

"I suppose I am," he'd admitted.

"Then I suppose you ought to buy me a drink," she'd said slyly.

She might have been out of Hogwarts, but a Slytherin never ceased to be a Slytherin.

"You're my student," he'd said, adjusting his collar a little.

"I'm a former student," she'd corrected him. "And I'm also an adult."

"You ought to be a barrister," he'd said. "You really know your way around a negotiation."

"Do I?" She'd said slyly. "I hadn't really noticed."

He'd bought her a pint and immediately she'd raised her glass.

"To you," he'd said, somewhat bashful.

"To us," she'd amended. "And confusion to our enemies."

"Pardon?" he'd said, laughing.

"It's a Slytherin toast," she'd explained, leaning close enough that he could smell her fresh perfume. "Death to our enemies is obviously too melodramatic, but confusion still satisfies any need for revenge. Why do you think the Gryffindors are always running around haplessly?"

"That's exceedingly clever," he'd admitted, involuntarily licking his lips as his eyes flicked to hers.

"I certainly think so," she'd said saucily.

They'd drank and chatted for a bit, but when Pansy's drink was finished, she'd risen to go.

"It was lovely to catch up, Tieran, but I'm afraid I have to go."

"Oh," he'd said, clearly a little flustered. "Sure, of course. Good to see you. Congratulations on university. That's very impressive."

She'd nodded, biting her lip. She'd turned towards the door and taken several tentative paces before turning around.

"Haven't you forgotten something?" she'd asked, coming the closest she ever did to being bashful.

"Have I?" he'd asked softly, visibly nervous.

She'd shrugged, flashing another disarming smile. "I'd like to think so."

By this times she'd traipsed back to the bar, leaning casually against it; it was the kind of bold move only Pansy Parkinson could pull off.

"Miss Parkinson, I—"

"Pansy," she'd corrected in a breathy voice, and he nodded dazedly.

"Pansy," he repeated. "You're my student."

"Former student," she'd corrected again.

"Even still," he'd offered weakly. "I shouldn't—"

She'd cut him off by leaning forward and pressing a feather light kiss to his lips. She pulled away and flushed, clearly trying not to betray her crushing disappointment.

"Right," she'd said, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I guess I thought—"

He'd interrupted by curling a hand around her neck and kissing her soundly.

She'd deepened it, grabbing his tie gently and opening her mouth slightly wider.

He'd understood her meaning and slowly slid his tongue inside, growing more confident when she'd given a small moan of satisfaction.

One hand still on her neck, his other migrated to her low back, pulling her a fraction closer. Finally she'd leaned back a bit, and he'd licked his lips and slowly looked at her.

"I can't believe I've just done that," he'd blurted, and she'd smiled, adjusting his tie.

"I can," she'd smirked, confidence in her charm renewed. "I've thought about it since I was seventeen."

He gave a hard swallow.

"Do you really have to be going," he'd asked. "Or was that just a ploy to get me to kiss you?"

"No," she'd said. "I really do have somewhere to be."

"Then when—" he'd cleared his throat, trying to regain some composure. "When can I see you again?"

She'd smiled.

"You can take me to dinner tomorrow night. If you're free, of course," she'd added, though she'd already known his answer.

"I am!" he blurted eagerly. "I mean, I don't have any plans, so—"

"So?" she'd goaded, confident that she'd won back the upper-hand.

"So," he'd repeated almost bashfully. "I'd love to see you."

"Good," she'd smiled. "I live in Lambeth on Brixston. It's number 4."

He'd nodded.

"I'll be there at eight."

"I'll be waiting," she'd agreed.

She'd given him a flirtatious wink and sauntered out.

The rest was history. He'd proposed two years later in almost the exact spot they'd first kissed, and it was the first time he'd seen her cry. They got married eight months after that at her parents' lavish country home, and everything since then had been wedded bliss. She'd taken his advice and become a lawyer, and as he'd predicted, she was wildly successful. They now lived in a rather grand house in St. James, and the only thing that even plagued her was missing him in the nine months of the year he was away. However, she was already making arrangements by buying a small house in Hogsmeade for the school year.

They were blissful, in fact, that when it came time to renew her potion prescription, she simply hadn't. It was a decision they'd come to swiftly and unanimously, and after that they'd tacitly agreed to simply let the fates decide.

She chewed her lip again, staring down Knocktown nervously. Shit, she ought to just get this thing over with. She knew everyone was counting on her, and the sooner she did it the sooner she was allowed to go home to Tieran.

She strutted confidently down the street, her tall heels clicking on the worn cobblestones. She wished she'd worn more comfortable jeans; these ones were annoyingly tight. Still, she continued her sauntered until she reached the end of the block where, nestled between The Savage Vagabond and HouseRules Betting house was an unmarked and unremarkable door. Pansy took a finally breath before heading inside and giving a glittering smile.

The bloke behind the counter wasn't Geoff, though. She didn't allow this to deter her.

"Hello," she said pleasantly, flashing the boy, who was no older than 19, a saucy grin. "Is your boss around?"

"He's upstairs in the workshop. I'll go and fetch him."

She raised her eyebrows, smiling slyly.

"Thank you so much."

The boy headed for the stairs and she called after him, "And a cup of tea, please!"

She didn't even want tea, she just enjoyed being difficult from time to time.

The assistant upstairs and she took the opportunity to look around a bit.

There were sneakoscopes and foe glasses of every variety, including gadgets she didn't recognise. Those must have been Geoff's designs. She looked in the largest foe glass mounted on the wall, and the hairs on her arms stood up when she looked into it. Her enemies were uncomfortably close. She couldn't yet see the whites of their eyes, but she could make out Adrian Pucey's unmistakable silhouette.

She heard creaking on the stairs, and she turned to see Geoff Blackburn descend. He obviously looked older than she'd remembered, and he was taller, though he seemed no less slender. He was dressed casually in dark skinny jeans, a faded black tee shirt and robe with sleeves casually rolled to his elbows. His dark hair, which must have reached past his shoulders was scraped back into a bun at his crown. He wore thick-framed glasses like Draco's, and as stylish as they were on the latter, they were equally as bookish on the former. On his feet were a pair of clunky dragonhide boots, and his knarled oak wand protruded from his pocket. He was holding a teacup and saucer in one hand.

Merlin, he really had been dipped in a completely different gene pool than the other four Blackburn brother. His father really ought to have looked into a paternity test. If she was being honest, he looked more like Severus Snape than the dashing Camden Blackburn.

He didn't smile when he saw her, but his blue-black eyes sparkled dimly.

"Pansy," he said in his cool voice. "What a surprise. Here's your tea."

"Geoff," she purred, intentionally giving him an approving once-over. "Thank you."

He set it down as if to indicate he knew she had no intention of drinking it.

"Long time, no see," he said, sounding a touch bored.

"I know," she said. "How are you?"

He watched her survey him, and his eyes hardened slightly.

"No need for that charade," he said dully. "I know you're married to our old Transfiguration professor, Peakes or whatever."

He glanced at her left hand before adjusting his glasses.

"You must be really eager to speak to me to cleave that rock he gave you off your finger."

She covered her left had with her right.

"It's just being cleaned," she lied easily. "And it's been an age; surely I'm allowed to see how you've grown."

He held out his arms and did a slow turn.

"Satisfied?" he asked

"Very," she said, smiling.

"What can I do for you?" he asked bluntly, folding his slender arms across his chest. "Something you want to ask me, perhaps?"

"Who says that's why I'm here?" she asked, spinning a sneakoscope casually.

"The likes of you doesn't seek out the likes of me needlessly. Besides, I don't imagine you frequent this part of town too often, so you must need something in particular."

She surveyed him. So he was mistrustful. That was important to know, though it admittedly made her job markedly harder.

"Did Malfoy send you?" he asked in the face of her silence.

"In a manner," she admitted. "Though if you're suggesting I'm his owl in some way, you're annoyingly mistaken."

She gave a sweet smile to temper her annoyance.

"Not at all," he said mildly, adjusting his glasses again and leaning casually against the counter. "He just seems to be—busy these days."

"He's getting married," Pansy said simply. "It's a rather taxing affair to plan."

"I'll take your word for it," he said in a bored voice, shrugging. It was clear he was in no way fooled by that explanation about Draco.

"Still sort of fascinating if you think about it, considering the illustrious Leolin Lefevre's back in town."

"Don't dredge up ancient history," Pansy laughed.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Geoff said, raising his eyebrows. "So, let's get back to the issue at hand. What is it you need my help with, Mrs. Peakes?"

"I prefer Ms.," she said, smiling again. "And I have a proposition for you."

"I'm intrigued, " Geoff said. "Go on."

"Things are changing," she began carefully, wishing she'd thought a bit more about what she was going to say.

"Nothing new there," Geoff pointed out wryly. "Change is the only constant."

"Right," Pansy said. "Well spotted. But I'm talking about London."

"You're talking about Lucius Malfoy," he amended, and slowly she nodded. "Are you asking me if I've noticed his consolidation of power? I admit I'm a little insulted if you are."

"I'm not," she said. "I'm here to find out what you think of it."

He frowned non-committally.

"I don't really think anything of it. I'm not rich or important, so I don't really have anything to fear. Besides, I sell dark magic wards. If things were to take a turn for the—sinister, my business would likely increase."

"I wonder if your brothers would agree," Pansy said, admittedly playing an odd card.

Geoff gave a bitter laugh.

"If they didn't I'd be delighted. If they did I would revise my stance immediately."

"Interesting, "she said, raising her eyebrows.

"No secret I'm the black sheep," he shrugged. "I've made peace with that a long time ago."

"Good for you," Pansy said, knowing she needed to change tactics.

"What else do you have?"

"Don't you ever get bored tinkering?" she asked. "I know you're a skilled curse-breaker."

"I suppose I haven't been properly inspired. It's really a creative act."

She nodded.

"I'm guessing I might have a few to catch your eye."

"Such as?"

She smirked.

"Don't be overhasty. Agree and then we'll talk specifics."

Her put his fingers to his lips as he pondered. She could tell he was intrigued.

"Just to be clear," he said. "If I agree to do this, it's for the challenge. I really couldn't care less for your altruistic goals."

"Noted," she said evenly, drawing a parchment from her purse. "But of course you'll have to sign this," she said. "You understand."

He glanced at it.

"Not saying I would," he said mildly. "But I could break that fairly easily."

"You're welcome to try," she said in an even tone. "But it was designed by our other curse-breaker, so I think you'll find it's rather clever."

She extended it to him to peruse, and he smiled a little.

"So it is," he agreed handing it back.

"So," she said casually. "What do you think?"

"I'm in, " Geoff said simply.

"Then sign on the dotted line," she said, extending the contract back.

He smiled and signed it.

"We've be in touch," she said, tucking the contract back in her purse.

"Looking forward to it," he said evenly.

She gave a flippant wave and headed out the door, flipping open her floo as she did.

"Well?" Draco said. "How'd it go?"

"He's in," Pansy said. "He signed the contract."

"Did he challenge you to a game of gobstones?" Draco asked mirthfully.

"No, he likes to fancy himself as cool counterculture type these days. Still skinny as a quill, though."

"Thick glasses?" Draco asked.

"Of course," Pansy laughed.

"Ponytail?"

"Naturally."

Draco laughed again.

"Oh Merlin, I admit that I really do love being cruel. We're going after 'Jack the Lad' tonight at the Em. You in?"

"What's that, his street name? That's so delightfully chavvy."

"Apparently," Draco said, and she could see him rolling his eyes. "And don't I fucking know it. Anyways, we'll be there around 11."

"Yeah," she said, "I'll be there."

"Perfect," Draco said. "See you then."

"Speak to you soon," she said, closing the floo.

---

Leolin stood in front of the mirror, chewing her lip and thanking Merlin she lived alone. She'd only arrived back from Spain that afternoon, but she'd received word from Severina mentioning that Draco and Blaise would be at the Em that evening. She'd decided it was as good a time as any to get Adrian's chore out of the way.

Now she was tearing through her closet, trying to find something suitably slutty. She'd dug out a ridiculous pair of sequined shorts (or knickers, depending on who you asked) and put them on. At first she'd worn them with tights, but she knew that wasn't good enough. She'd have to go bare-legged. Luckily her legs were sunkissed from the Costa del Sol, and after she'd lathered them with shea butter, they gleamed dully.

From there she found a pair of black suede heels nearly sixth inches in height with gold caps over the toe box, making her legs appear far longer than they were. On top she wore a desperately wanton bra she didn't realize she had with a sheer long-sleeved shirt over the top. It did nothing but highlight the midnight blue silk beneath it.

After much deliberation, she decided to put in her gawdy belly button from her Hogwarts days. She had a feeling someone was going to see it tonight.

When she was dressed, she sank to her vanity, turning her head back and forth to inspect her nasty black eye. Adrian's beating had come at a price, and she'd been shamefully hiding the evidence, willing the bruise to fade and the memory along with it. The skin directly underneath the eye had faded to a greenish yellow, but it was still ringed by a shocking violet. She prodded the contused skin gently, wincing as she did. She needed to tread more carefully. She feared the next time she faced Adrian, he might try to break her arm, or her neck.

Finally, after staring at her battered reflection for ten long minutes, she concocted a glamour that disguised the bruised before taking a deep breath. It was only one night. She had to remember that no matter what. She sighed again before stuffing gold earring in and grabbed her clutch before apparating to the door of the Em. She was admitted straightaway, and she immediately began to search for Draco or Blaise.

However, the first person to spot her was Jaime Quinn, and he cut through the crowd as he watched her, his grin wide. She didn't notice him until he was practically on top of her, and she jumped a bit as he stepped up behind her, his breath ruffling the dark curtain of her hair.

"Jaime!" she hissed through a sharp intake of breath. "Merlin."

"Did I scare you?" he asked, his eyes merry as ever.

"What a coincidence that you're back in London," she snapped in return.

"Isn't it just?" he said, giving a cheeky grin. "You look sinful, by the way," he appraised, putting a hand to the wall beside her to keep her there. "Can I presume you're here to make a little trouble tonight?"

"You know why I'm here," she said irritably. "Now get out of my way."

"Loverboy's not here yet," he said. "Just in case you were wondering. That gives you plenty of time to warm up. I'm more than happy to put you on your back and help you get a good stretch in."

"If you try and put a finger on me tonight," she said. "I'll blow this whole charade by hexing your nob off."

"Don't worry. As much as I'd like to touch you," Jaime said coyly. "I have strict instructions from Adrian not to. I have to maintain façade, too. Boss would be awfully angry if I didn't. Feel free to find me after, though."

She turned away and rolled her eyes. In truth, she was beginning to feel sick to her stomach. Why couldn't she maintain her dignity for two seconds before someone stomped on it?

"Dream on, dreamer," she sniped, turning away and heading for the back bar.

"Good luck tonight, darling," he called. "Not that you need it, of course; we all know that no one can drive Malfoy mad quite like you!"

"Have a shitty evening," she called back flippantly in return.

Merlin, she needed a drink.

She approached the bar.

"What can I get you, love?" the woman behind it asked.

"Fire and Ice and a gin martini."

"You sure you want to do fire and ice alone?" she asked. "It's usually a—group thing."

"That shot was invented in my honour," Leolin said blandly. "I'm well aware it is a party thing, but I still need one."

The woman did as she was told and made both drinks. Leolin put down the shots, shuddered as she took a sip of the martini.

"Do they both have alcohol in them?" she asked. "The fire and ice?"

"Yes," the bar tender replied. "That's why they knock you on your arse."

"Or make you feel a little bit more courageous," Leolin said, eying the crowd.

She knew she needed to be the centre of attention, preferably without getting groped by some drunk idiot, and she bit her lip. What was she fucking doing there? She should have just ignored Lucius and taken on Adrian again when he came calling. However, she had to quickly admit to herself that wasn't really an option. She touched her cheek inadvertently, wincing. And it wasn't just that. Of all the sexual manipulation she'd be forced to put with over the last five years, Leolin could see in Adrian's eyes that if he ever properly got his hands on her, his would be the most insidious. Just thinking about it made her shudder.

Unable to keep thinking about Adrian, she finished her drink and strutted to the dance floor. Everyone let her and her short shorts pass immediately, and she even got a few errant whistles.

She went to the fittest girl she could find, grabbing her by the wrist and began dancing with her casually. At this point more cheers and whistling went up. The Em was in no way a club, so there was no dance floor, but it was not uncommon for one or two girls to dance for male attention.

When Leolin had the girl's attention, she leaned over her shoulder and softly kissed her. Leolin had never kissed a girl before, but it wasn't unpleasant. More importantly, she knew it would get the reaction she was looking for. It was unpleasant to be the centre of this kind of attention, but she grit her teeth and bore it. Maybe Draco had seen that and now she could just bloody go home.

She opened her eyes, but Draco was nowhere in sight. Was he not there yet, or had he slipped by without noticing? It didn't really matter; he would come out at some point, and she needed to give him a show as she did.

As soon as she had everyone's eyes, she flitted away from the girl, sauntering up to a table fairly devoid of bottles on its surface, though there were six or so lads standing around it.

"Gentleman," she asked sweetly, leaning on their table and surreptitiously pushing her breasts into the air.

They all looked unabashedly. Merlin, how she hated bar culture.

She recognized one of them as Bentley Blackburn, the second oldest of the Blackburn brothers. Why couldn't it have been Sampson or Vance?

"It's Leolin, isn't it?" he asked, extending his hand. "Bentley Blackburn."

She fixed her glittering blue eyes on him before biting his lip and sliding her elegant hand into his outstretched one.

"I know who you are," she said, feeling sick to her stomach again.

"Make my day and tell me you're a Falmouth supporter," he said, appraising her openly again.

She knew he was already dreaming of ways to get her out of the shirt to better see the bra underneath.

"Portree, usually," she admitted and he nodded knowingly.

"Not hard to guess why, I suppose," he said, feeling her out.

She latently yearned to slap him soundly across the face for the insinuation. Instead she just smiled.

"What do you mean?"

His widened in return.

"I know Kelly Troy has always been a greater—admirer of you."

"Kelly's a dear friend," she admitted. "He and Cara both."

"That's fantastic news for me," Bentley said, and she could tell this conversation was barely holding his fickle attention.

"Dance with me," she said.

He acquiesced, and she dragged him into more prominently lighting, swishing her hips softly against his. In was so completely unpleasant to feel the weight of his hands on her trim hips, and she took a deep breath in, closing her eyes. He'd interpreted her unease for enjoyment, and she could feel his breath pulsing against her ear as he held her close.

There were whistles as they moved, but she tried to tune them out. Absently, she wondered if Draco was watching her now. She both did and didn't hope so. On the one hand, if he was, she would be saved further embarrassment by allowing herself to go home. On the other, if he was watching, he would obviously see the "I'm a slag," tattooed onto her forehead, and she was sure he wouldn't be pleased, nor would he allow this to be the end of the incident.

Finally, unable to take Bentley hands and his strong cologne any more, she pulled away.

"Shots?" she propositioned.

Bentley smiled at her. She could see in his eyes he wasn't a Gareth or a Cormac, but it still made her skin crawl thinking about his wife and toddler at home.

"I was thinking something more memorable," he said.

"I'm listening," she replied, and his smile widened.

"Body shot?"

"What does it entail?" she asked, hoping not to betray her nerves.

"Well," he said, running a gently fingers down her throat, between her breasts, and down the cut of her abdomen. "You let Kam there squeeze lime juice down that perfect stomach and cover it with a little bit of salt. Then you hold my shot for me between though lovely, lovely thighs, and after I lick all the salt off you delicious skin, I retrieve my shot with no hands."

She nodded as if that didn't sound sickening.

"It sounds lovely."

He tipped forward, brushing a soft kiss on her lips.

"It is," he agreed, "Especially for me."

He led her towards the main bar.

"Clear some room, boys," he said, smirking. "Leolin and I are going to do a body shot."

Kam, the bartender, smirked.

"You ready?" he asked Leolin. "You look ready."

She tried to ignore that.

"I was born ready," she said. She actually she hoped Draco would miss this. Of course, if he did it would be for nothing.

"Lay down, darling," Kam said.

She nodded, leaping gracefully onto the frosted glass of the bar before easing down, forcing out a fake laugh. Just as she lowered herself, she caught a flash of platinum hair, and she bit her lip. She pretended not to notice it, though her stomach was clenching painfully again.. She knew this would break some part of Draco's dark heart, just as it was breaking hers.

"Ready?" Kam asked, grabbing the tequila.

"I'm not sure," Leolin said, thinking of Draco again. This was going to drive him bloody nuts.

"Of course you're ready," Kam said, smiling. "Now, let's get you out of that shirt."

TO BE CONTINUED…